California has reached a new milestone in battery energy storage, increasing its capacity by about 1,200 megawatts (MW) in the past six months and achieving a 2,100% increase since Governor Gavin Newsom took office in 2019. The state now has built one-third of the total storage capacity estimated to be necessary by 2045 to meet its clean energy targets.
Governor Newsom announced that California will join the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, an initiative launched at COP28 and supported by more than 100 countries and organizations. California is the first subnational entity to participate. The pledge sets international goals to deploy 1,500 gigawatts of energy storage, double investments in electrical grids worldwide, and construct 25 million kilometers of new transmission infrastructure by 2030.
“Donald Trump’s reckless energy agenda puts China first and America last — letting Beijing seize the global clean energy economy and the good-paying jobs, manufacturing, and economic prosperity that come with it. California won’t stand by and watch,” Gov. Newsom said. “While Donald Trump is failing, the Golden State is leading. We’re deploying more battery storage than any state in America, building a stronger grid, cutting pollution, and making abundant clean energy even more affordable.”
Battery storage technology enables excess solar and wind power to be stored when available and released during periods of high demand. This helps keep the electricity grid stable and allows for greater reliance on renewable sources around the clock. As a result of these efforts, California has not called for a Flex Alert—an emergency request for voluntary conservation—for three consecutive years.
Of California’s current battery storage capacity:
– Large utility-scale projects account for 13,880 MW.
– More than 200,000 homes contribute with behind-the-meter systems totaling 2,213 MW.
– Businesses, schools, and local governments add another 849 MW through similar installations.
Combined small-scale systems help reduce demand during peak times and offer new ways to balance electricity supply in real time.
Globally, only China surpasses California in installed battery capacity. Within the United States, Texas ranks second after California with roughly 9,000 MW.
Clean energy has become increasingly cost-effective; globally it is now considered the cheapest source of electricity generation. Since 2010, battery storage costs have decreased by about 93%.
“These systems are proving every day that a clean energy grid can be both clean and reliable, and that California’s investments are delivering results,” said California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild.
“California is showcasing how to cost-effectively plan for and build our clean energy future,” said California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) President Alice Reynolds. “The state is setting the standard for deploying storage resources to complement a grid increasingly powered by renewable energy. It’s a smart way to manage electricity costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.”
Extreme heat events in recent years highlighted gaps in flexibility within the state’s power system; agencies responded by quickly increasing procurement of additional battery resources. Since then—and despite record-breaking temperatures such as those experienced during summer 2024—no Flex Alerts have been issued due largely to expanded battery deployment.
Currently installed batteries provide enough backup power to meet approximately one-quarter of peak statewide demand for several hours at a time.
State officials emphasize safety as development continues:
– Last September saw creation of an interagency collaboration focused on improving safety protocols.
– An update this year to the California Fire Code aims to strengthen standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
– In March the CPUC approved requirements for enhanced maintenance protocols at BESS facilities.
– Senate Bill 283 was recently signed into law mandating engagement between developers and local fire authorities on risk assessment plans.
While some incidents involving fires have occurred worldwide among thousands of deployed units—prompting stricter construction standards including fireproofing measures—the overall safety record remains strong according to state officials.
Expanding battery infrastructure forms part of California’s broader effort toward achieving carbon-free electricity by mid-century. Renewable sources already provide nearly two-thirds of retail electricity sales within state borders; coal-fired generation will end this year as older fossil-fuel plants continue retiring from service. On average so far this year the primary grid operator has met customer needs with all-clean power for almost six hours daily.
